3 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Riding Bareback

Don't forget your saddle just yet... make sure you can answer these questions first!

Bareback riding receives a lot of attention. It can be a fun way to connect with your horse and develop a solid feel of their movement. It’s also quicker than saddling up! After hearing some benefits of bareback riding, you may be eager to give it a try for yourself. First, you should answer these three questions!

1. Will you be safe?

A saddle helps you stay balanced and in the center of your horse’s back. It can be tricky riding without one, especially if you have an unpredictable horse. If your horse is spooky, then you might want to skip bareback riding until you trust them a bit more. It’s always a good idea to play it safe.

2. Can you maintain a good riding position?

Without your stirrups and saddle for support, will your riding position fall apart? Bareback riding isn’t an excuse to be lazy. You must make sure to keep your body aligned- heels, hips, shoulders in a straight line. It’s easy to start slouching or neglecting your form, but bareback riding requires a solid riding position. This will keep you balanced and support your horse’s movement in a positive way.

3. How will your horse be affected?

Your horse will feel your signals a lot more without a saddle. Some slight movements like a swift in your weight to one side can trigger a reaction. You have to be aware of how you’re influencing your horse’s movement with your hands, legs, and seat. Furthermore, some horses benefit from the added support of a saddle. Not all horses can have perfect conformation! Yes, bareback riding can be a lot of fun, but it’s important you don’t jump into it blindly! Check out: 5 Benefits Of Bareback Riding That’ll Make You Leave The Saddle Behind for more information.